Alpha H

Since 2012 is coming to a close, I thought it would be appropriate to compile a list of my favourite beauty products that I’ve discovered this year. Some of them I’ve reviewed in detail, so will be reviewed in the coming weeks. Anyway, I hope you discover some new things to try, let me know what your favourites were this year and why, would be great to have them all in the comments, so everyone can enjoy them or drop me a tweet to @JayneJRead

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm was recommended to me when my skin was particularly bad, I was reluctant to pay £34 for a cleanser, but I’m so pleased that I did. It’s a rich balm, which can be applied to skin whilst dry, adding a little water creates an emulsified formula that is easily wiped away with one of the delightful double sided flannels. Removes make up and leaves skin moisturised, clean and firm. Well worth a try on any skin type.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Mask

I’ve been using this mask regularly and again, this was something I was reluctant to spend on. I picked it up in a value bundle from QVC which made it easier for me to justify. It’s a strong, tingly mask with a glycolic acid base, it’s great for eating away dead skin and revealing a smoother and more even skin tone. You can read my original review here.

EOS Lip Balm Spheres

This will always be my favourite lip balm, it’s quirky shape and lovely selection of flavours is just perfect. Plus it’s all cruelty free and 97% natural, my favourite is the Sweet Mint flavour, but here’s my review of the Summer Fruits one.

Pai Bio-Regenerate Rosehip Oil

This beauty from British beauty brand, Pai has really helped improve my skin after overcoming a bout of acne. I’ve been left with redness and scarring, so have been using this Rosehip Oil every night to help treat this and it’s really working. Amazing stuff. You can read my review of the oil and it’s matching mask here.

Super Facialist Tea Flower Facial Scrub

This was an impulse buy from Boots, just because I was in desperate need of a facial scrub and now it’s become a firm favourite. The texture is really similar to the Kiehl’s Microdermbrasion Scrub, but much more affordable. It’s got a lovely almost methol, tingly fragrance and feels very gentle on the skin. Always makes me feel brighter and my skin more vibrant.

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat and Top Coat

I don’t know why I ever bothered painting my nails without a fast drying top coat. I’ve not tried many of these kinds of products yet, just picked up this Nails Inc Caviar duo up in Boots for only £12 and ever since starting to use them my nails have been in better condition and my nail colour has lasted a lot longer too. Most importantly the top coat makes my nails dry in seconds which is much more appealing. Read my review here.

Priti NYC Soy Nail Polish Remover

This is just another genius discovery. Priti NYC’s Soy Nail Polish Remover is a natural nail polish remover without any nasty chemicals, I have no idea how it works, but it’s better than conventional nail polish remover, conditions nails and cuticles and actually smells super nice. Well worth a purchase. Read all about it on my review.

Steamcream

I’ve always been drawn to the cute tins of Steamcream, but it was only this year that I actually tried it. It’s a really simple multi-purpose cream which is super beautiful and effective. Think of it as an improved version of the Nivea cream that comes in the huge blue tub. Plus, how can you resist the cute tins? I’ve been using this as a day cream, it’s super moisturising and works under make up too.

Holika Holika Moisture BB Cream

This is a Korean BB Cream, which I picked up on eBay. My skin has been really bad, so I’ve needed a heavier coverage. This BB Cream has been perfect, as it covers everything without feeling heavy or caked on. Plus the tube has a cute cat on it, can’t resist the cute packaging. I’ll definitely be picking this up again when I run out.

Clinique Chubby Sticks

I’m pretty sure that most beauty fans will be raving about Clinique’s Chubby Sticks as a beauty favourite and with good reason. These cute crayons as chunky, tinted lipbalms that make wearing lip colour super easy. I’ve consistently got at least three of these in my bag at one time. Got to love them all. Here’s my review.

Righty oh, this one has been reviewed before on my blog, last time it was a guest blog from the lovely Dija of Dija’s World, you can read her expert review here. Dija knows her skin stuff, so if my review is a bit lacking in the technical front, be sure to read hers too for another version.

I was recommended Alpha H Liquid Gold by Caroline Hirons to help combat the terrible problems I’ve been having with my spotty forehead. It’s been really bad for nearly a year now and it’s only last month that I really nailed my skincare regime, I’ll go into more detail on that soon!

So there you go, the most boring skincare packaging and branding I’ve ever seen, this little mask costs a whopping £46, you wouldn’t have thought so right? But because I love and trust Mrs Hirons and I’m sick to death of my skin being horrible for the firs time in my life I thought it was about time I invested in it.

This product has clearly invested its money in the ingredients, one of the main ingredients is Glycolic Acid which is a popular ingredient that has been around for a long time and know for its anti-ageing properties, it’s a chemical exfoliant. Glycolic Acid can be used to treat all sorts of skin conditions from acne and scarring to pigmentation and wrinkles, it’s therefore an incredibly appealing and versatile ingredient.

Please be aware thought that Glycolic Acid is a strong ingredient, if you are prone to being sensitive you should definitely do a patch test first. The texture of the Alpha H Liquid Gold Mask is very different to other masks that I’ve used, it’s a cream texture, that reminds me of thick Nivea cream or Savlon. It doesn’t have a strong smell, just a tiny, pleasant fragrance from the Lavender and Rose oils that are in the ingredients.

On application this is a tingly mask, but as I’ve discovered in the past few months, tingly can be a very good thing. I find that this feels prickly, but the feeling dies down during the treatment time. Immediately after removing the mask skin looks and feels toned and smoothed. For me, my spots appeared less red and after just two treatments I can see a noticeable reduction in the size and redness of my spots. This is certainly partly to do with this mask, but I will be talking in more detail about my current skincare regime soon.

Is it worth the money? Yes! Considering you can spend over £40 on a Glycolic treatment, this is well worth the money if you want something that will deliver results, just be careful if you’re sensitive and be sensible about how you use it.

Today’s guest blog comes from fellow WordPress blogger Dija, you can see her blog Dija’s World here. Here’s a review of a science lead skincare product that sounds mega intriguing!

Usually as the seasons turn, I change my skincare routine. Seeing as we are on the cusp of summer, I’ve dived straight in with a mini skin overhaul. Out with the old (dull tired skin) in with the new (fresh, plumped and smooth skin). You know the drill.

Using a glycolic mask is not something I do often, but when I feel I need one, I always reach for Alpha H Liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting Mask. It packs a powerful punch working down my checklist very quickly and easily. Radiance, tick. Plumping, tick. Smoothing, tick. I could go on, but suffice to say it does the ‘bizness’.

This is a creamy mask that doesn’t set, containing 15% sugar cane glycolic extract. Its VERY fast acting and the glycolic acid gets to work straight away. You can feel the tingle as it melts away dead skin. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend this product to extremely sensitive skin. But all other skin types should be fine. If in doubt, do a patch test.

It is enriched with rose, lavender, macadamia seed, wheat germ oils and manuka honey making it feel very luxurious. These ingredients sooth and hydrate whilst the active ingredient is at work.

I love this mask because in 10 minutes flat I can boost my skin improving texture and tone all at once! Plus the effects are long lasting too. Be warned though, you may suffer a tiny breakout following this mask as it really loosens dead skin cells. So if you had any zits lurking underneath the skin, they will rise to the surface.

Although it boasts a myriad of natural ingredients, it also contains (whispers) parabens. There isn’t a proven link that these will cause any problems, but I like to be aware and stay away from parabens as much as possible. Having said that, I yet to find a product that ticks all the boxes in the same way. So I guess its all down to personal preference.

I would love to know if you use any glycolic based products, if so which ones?

Have you ever used Alpha H products?

What did you think?

Looks really interesting Dija! Glycolic is a great ingredient, it’s been used in anti-ageing products for years. Thanks for contributing.

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@JayneKitsch

British blogger based between sunny Barcelona and mostly rainy London. Inspired by all things alternative, geek, quirky, kawaii and vintage. Blogging about beauty, fashion, food, lifestyle and everything in between. Established 2009 formerly known as Jayne's Kitschen. I'm also co-owner of digital marketing consultancy KITSCH.inc and available to hire for freelance work. CONTACT: JayneKitsch@hotmail.com

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Disclaimer

As a blogger since 2009 and the fact that I work in the industry many of the items featured are samples and provided for consideration free of charge. This however, does not effect my opinion or choice to feature. I only feature brands and products that I genuinely want to. Where payment has been received for coverage an additional disclaimer will appear at the footer of the article. I do use affiliate schemes where I see appropriate.